OpenHealth Q&A

Unexplained Pain Above My Temple: What Could It Be?

About three weeks ago, I began experiencing sporadic muscle twitches in various areas of my body. Even now, I still often feel weak, although the muscles do contract when I flex, leading me to constantly worry about the possibility of ALS, albeit the odds seem slim. Two weeks back, I started noticing a dull ache on the left side of my head, more prominently above my right temple, situated between the bone and flesh. Interestingly, I have observed that while my right temple has noticeable grooves, my left does not. Recently, that dull discomfort has escalated into a sensation akin to mild burning ice; pressing on that particular area causes pain, though it’s not a sharp stab. To describe it, it feels as though you rest a cold hand on a warm forehead, localized to the spot where bone meets soft tissue. Naturally, this has raised concerns in my mind regarding more severe conditions such as a stroke or temporal arthritis, though I don't experience any discomfort when clenching my teeth hard. I tend to have heightened health anxiety due to how I’ve treated my body over the years. This often leads me to expect the worst outcomes. My primary question is whether this situation warrants a visit to the hospital. If it’s linked to stress and anxiety, I’d rather not take up resources, especially considering my numerous hospital visits in recent months. Here is some additional context that may or may not be relevant: I am a 19-year-old male, standing at about 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) and weighing approximately 143.6 lbs. After only two years, I dropped out of university. Shortly after my graduation, I noticed thinning in the middle portion of my hair, although I’ve seen some regrowth lately. Despite being told I’m handsome, I often feel like an imposter. I’ve struggled with late-night sleeping habits and have a history of mediocre academic performance, which contributes to my stress, possibly indicating some form of neurodivergence. My mother is anemic, and I had a childhood marked by an extremely strict upbringing from my mother and a father who wasn’t financially stable. I typically eat just once a day, courtesy of my mother, but I find it hard to finish a full meal. If I overeat, I can experience shortness of breath while walking. My mind often races with overthinking; when it does, it can reach an extreme level. Poor circulation seems to be an issue as well, as lying on my side has become uncomfortable over time. Whenever I hold my phone up, I experience tension in the tendon behind my left hand, a condition that has persisted for more than a year. A few months ago, I incorporated three daily supplement tablets of “Cal Mag D Plus” from Nutrilite into my routine, in addition to walking twice for twenty minutes and drinking around 1.2 liters of water daily. Recently, I attempted to increase my walks to a brisk pace, but I felt dizzy when standing from bed (though today I felt stable). My current sleeping pattern has me awake until after 5 a.m. and then sleeping until 1 or 2 p.m., a routine I’ve adopted as I navigate the aftermath of my college dropout, which was an identity-altering experience. Despite this, I strive to improve myself. I have been consistent in visiting both public and private hospitals for various health concerns — always related to stress. One instance was when I struggled to breathe fully after challenging myself to swallow single peas, a fear that lingered even as I faced it. My heart would race, and despite managing to overcome that fear, the anxiety remained. A doctor attributed my issues to anxiety and referred me to a public psychologist, though I was left waiting three months for a follow-up appointment. Recent test results from a private hospital (February) include: - Sodium: 146 mmol/L (reference range: 136-145) - Chloride: 108 mmol/L (reference range: 98-107) - Albumin: 51 g/L (reference range: 35-50) - AST (SGOT): 43 U/L (reference range: 11-34) - ALT (SGPT): 64 U/L (reference range: <45) - Lymphocytes: 47.5% (reference range: 19.6-47.2) - Urine protein: 0.1 g/L (reference range: <0.1) Aside from the discomfort in my temple, I welcome feedback on any other bodily issues that I should keep an eye on moving forward.

Answers (1)

9/10/2025, 6:50:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been dealing with a lot of discomfort and anxiety regarding your health, particularly with the pain above your temple and your concerns about muscle twitches. Here’s a summary of the key points followed by a detailed explanation and prioritized steps to take.

Key Points:

1. Temple Pain: The dull ache and burning sensation above your temple could be related to various causes, including tension headaches, muscle tension from stress, or other benign conditions.
2. Muscle Twitches: Muscle twitches can often be benign and related to stress, fatigue, or dietary factors.
3. Health Anxiety: Your worries about serious conditions seem to be exacerbated by anxiety, which is common among individuals facing stressful life situations.

Explanation:

The discomfort above your temple could stem from several sources:

• Tension Headaches: Commonly caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension. Tension in the muscles around your neck or jaw can lead to sensations in your temple.
• Nerve Irritation: Sometimes, irritations related to posture or stress can cause localized pain.
• Stress and Anxiety: Given your history of health anxiety, symptoms may be magnified during periods of heightened stress or anxiety, creating physical sensations that may feel serious.

Your muscle twitches are often benign and can result from factors like dehydration, lack of sleep, or even stress. They are not typically indicative of serious conditions like ALS, especially given your young age and lack of other symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your temple pain and muscle twitches. Note when they occur, their intensity, and any accompanying symptoms (like changes in sleep, stress levels, or physical activity).

2. Improve Sleep Routine: Aim to establish a more regular sleep schedule. Try going to bed earlier and gradually adjusting your wake-up time to promote better sleep quality and duration.

3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Regularly: Since you struggle with meals, try to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day instead of one large meal. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods when possible. Staying hydrated by drinking adequate water is also essential.

4. Manage Stress: Consider techniques such as mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, or gentle stretching to help alleviate muscle tension and manage anxiety.

5. Physical Activity: Continue your walking routine, but be mindful of your limits. Avoid pushing yourself to the point of dizziness and gradually increase the intensity as you feel comfortable.

6. Check for Nutritional Deficiencies: Due to your irregular eating habits, consider discussing with a healthcare provider an evaluation of any potential deficiencies, particularly if you experience fatigue or muscle weakness.

7. Communicate with a Mental Health Professional: If possible, follow up on your appointment with a psychologist and discuss your anxiety concerns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for health anxiety.

8. Keep Monitoring Health Changes: If your temple pain worsens (e.g., sharp pain, vision changes, etc.) or if you develop new concerning symptoms (severe headache, confusion, etc.), consider seeking help sooner.

You are exhibiting a lot of self-awareness about your health, which is a positive step in managing your overall well-being. Remember, it's essential to take one day at a time and prioritize small but consistent changes to improve your health.